Laureen Martinez, Orange County Communications Division Assistant Manager
(407) 836-5301 or email Laureen.Martinez@ocfl.net

Orange County Approves 2013-2014 Budget

Orange County, FL – Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Board of County Commissioners approved the finalized budget for fiscal year 2013-2014. The total budget of $3.26 billion is about $355 million less than the current year’s budget. These are some of the highlights for the new fiscal year which begins on October 1, 2013

Countywide Tax Millage Rate 4.4347 (unchanged from 2013)
Countywide Property Tax Projected Revenue $374,303,988
Tax Based Operating Budget 54% allocated for public safety
46% allocated for all other services
Local Tourist Development Tax Projected Revenue $185,978,570
Total Countywide Budget $3,262,670,582

While it is currently estimated that the taxable value of property in Orange County will increase by just 4.12%, it is encouraging to see business and consumer spending increasing. A strong tourism market strengthened by new attractions at local theme parks led to an increase in sales tax collections and an increase in the budgeted sales tax revenue of $144.1 million.

Overall, the county is operating at the same staffing levels that existed in 2005 while serving a population that has grown 15%. A net of 21 positions will be eliminated, mainly through attrition. A focus on efficiency and process improvements has allowed for simultaneous staffing level reductions and customer service improvements.

“Orange County continues to pursue a fiscally responsible approach to funding vital services. Despite the challenges of the last few years, thanks to our fiscally responsible approach we have fared better than most other governments,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.  “In both good times and bad, and while other governments have been forced to cut services, Orange County remains committed to finding ways to improve and enhance our services and responsiveness.”  Mayor Jacobs continued, “Of great importance to our citizens is the fact that while other governments may raise taxes, we’ve held the line. Even now, though we sense an improvement in our local and broader economy, Orange County’s focus on fiscal responsibility while maintaining services will not change.”

The entire Orange County budget can be viewed at www.OCFL.net. OrangeStats is also available online to citizens who wish to keep up with the county government’s economic functionality and progress.

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About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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